Ideal Temperatures for Work, Play, and Beyond

Most people prefer certain temperatures in their homes and work spaces. As it turns out, there’s science behind those ideal temperatures. There are temperatures that allow us to get the best sleep and help us work better, contributing to boosted job satisfaction and productivity. As a landlord, knowing these ideal temperatures will help you ensure renter satisfaction and save energy in your building.

Ideal Sleep Temperature

Many people have trouble sleeping; some suffer from chronic conditions like insomnia. In certain rental settings such as noisy city apartment buildings, these conditions are often aggravated. Though it may not fix everyone’s sleeping issues, finding the best science-driven setting for your sleep cycle can make rest easier.

As you wind down to fall asleep, your body temperature naturally decreases. Therefore, many people think their bedrooms should be warm, but the opposite is true. For optimum sleep, your bedroom’s temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees. The cooler air will make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It will also lengthen your rapid eye movement (REM) cycles, where your body is in its deepest sleep.

Note that for renters with babies and toddlers, optimal sleeping temperature is slightly higher – around 65 to 70 degrees. Encourage renters to keep cribs and beds away from windows, fans, or anything else that might cause a draft.

Optimal Work Temperature

Today, increasing numbers of people work from home. Therefore, it’s crucial that their work spaces stay at optimal temperatures. Although everyone has different temperature preferences, most people will say their work spaces are too hot or too cold. It’s difficult to know what working temperature is best; even President Obama dealt with this issue. His staff complained the Oval Office was so warm “you could grow orchids in there.”

Women who typed nonstop for work in a room of 77 degrees only had a 10% error rate, but students in the same study found most of them preferred cooler rooms, at about 66 degrees. In general, temps over 75 degrees can induce sleepiness. Studies agree any temperature above 80 degrees is not good for the workplace; you may want to advise your renters to keep their workspaces between 66 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal working conditions – depending on their particular constitution.

In addition to your renters’ work temperature, take your own into consideration. When thinking about optimal temperature, consider your preferences, but don’t forget factors like gender. Studies have shown that women usually need their offices three degrees warmer than men do because they naturally have lower metabolic rates. Consider investing in a limiting thermostat, using a space heater under your desk, or layering clothing.